Using data from over half a million college students, this study found that philosophy majors outperform all other majors on verbal reasoning, logical reasoning, and measures of intellectual disposition, like curiosity and open-mindedness, after controlling for baseline differences. While stronger verbal abilities and intellectual curiosity predict choosing philosophy, the study finds evidence suggesting these abilities may be further cultivated through philosophical study itself.

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This is a well-conducted study with a large sample size and sophisticated statistical methods. It provides strong evidence for the claim that studying philosophy has positive impacts on intellectual abilities, like verbal and logical reasoning. Though there are limitations inherent in the observational nature of the study and some small effect sizes, the results are nonetheless interesting and support prior, anecdotal evidence. The paper is also transparent about its limitations, both methodological and theoretical, and points to future research directions.